Brandon School Division Faces Aging Infrastructure Challenge

A recent facility report highlights significant concerns regarding the aging infrastructure within the Brandon School Division (BSD). The report reveals that a majority of the division’s buildings are past their middle age, raising questions about maintenance and future planning.

Mathew Gustafson, the Superintendent of BSD, presented the findings during a board meeting on March 15, 2024. He noted that out of the division’s 24 original school buildings, only one is under 35 years old, with an average building age of 62 years. The oldest facilities, such as École New Era, established in 1906, and others dating back to the late 1920s, underscore the pressing need for infrastructure assessment.

Details of the Aging Infrastructure

According to Gustafson, approximately 75 percent of BSD’s buildings are at least 50 years old. The division’s infrastructure includes a mix of older structures, such as George Fitton School (1954) and Neelin School (1956), alongside a few newer facilities like Maryland Park, which was completed in 2021.

The report also discusses various additions made to the original buildings, which include classroom wings and gymnasiums. These additions vary in age from 9 to 70 years, with an average age of 42 years. More than a third of these additions are also over 50 years old, indicating a widespread need for renovation and upgrades.

The current state of BSD’s modular units, which range from three to 14 years old, was also addressed. Gustafson confirmed that all 13 modular units remain in use, with some serving non-classroom purposes, such as supporting Indigenous education and family services.

Maintenance Strategies and Financial Implications

During the meeting, Gustafson outlined a three-pronged maintenance strategy that includes corrective, preventive, and predictive approaches. However, he acknowledged that BSD is still heavily reliant on corrective maintenance due to financial constraints. This reliance often leads to costly repairs, especially when unexpected failures, such as plumbing leaks, occur.

“Running equipment until it fails can be costly,” Gustafson explained, noting that it may cost up to 10 times as much as a regular maintenance program. He emphasized the importance of transitioning towards more preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, which could result in significant savings. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that predictive maintenance can save between 8 to 12 percent compared to preventive methods and as much as 40 percent over reactive solutions.

Despite the financial challenges, Gustafson expressed a commitment to gradually incorporate more preventive measures when feasible. The ongoing discussions about infrastructure and maintenance strategies highlight the critical need for BSD to address the aging facilities effectively.

As the Brandon School Division navigates the complexities of maintaining its aging infrastructure, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for students. Stakeholders are encouraged to support initiatives aimed at improving the condition of these essential educational facilities.